Alinta Energy Deliver Grants Through Mt Challenger Wind Farm Community Fund

Eco Barge. Photo supplied: Libby Edge.

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By Zach Houtenville  

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Four community groups across the Whitsundays have received a funding boost of up to $10,000 each, as Alinta Energy announces the first recipients of its Mt Challenger Wind Farm Community Fund.

From protecting the Whitsundays’ marine environment and educating the next generation to getting locals active and improving sporting facilities, the grants will support projects from the Whitsunday Conservation Council, Eco Barge Clean Seas, Healthy Kids Project and Bowen Golf Club.

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“They will help people explore and better understand the region’s natural environment, learn more about protecting our seas, get active together and enjoy improved community facilities,” said Alinta Energy’s Head of Power Development (East Coast), Amanda Weston.  

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“We’re pleased to be able to give these organisations a hand to turn their ideas into action.”

The funding will support a number of specific projects across the four groups, including the Whitsunday Conservation Council’s Heart of the Reef Discovery Trail, the Healthy Kids Project’s Sugar2Sea run/walk event, a new fridge for Bowen Golf Club and upgrades to Eco Barge Clean Seas’ Reef Room Community Education Facility.

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“This is really beautiful to help us keep going with our mission of cleaning the islands, protecting turtles, and educating on how we best protect our Sunday marine life from the threat of marine debris,” Libby Edge, the founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas.

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“It's good to see that they are giving back to the community, I do know the community is very concerned - so they should be.  

“But look, if this funding is going to help us promote, support and educate on how we all care for the reef, that's wonderful support to us.”  

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Ms Weston said the range of applications received highlighted the work already being carried out by community groups across the region.

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“Local organisations understand what matters to their communities because they are part of them,” Ms Weston said.

“We saw thoughtful, practical proposals from groups committed to making the Bowen and Proserpine region an even better place to live, work and visit.”  

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However, the grants come with some mixed reviews, as some community members continue to protest the company’s Wind Farm proposal, with the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action group labelling the donations ‘disingenuous’.  

“I believe it is inappropriate for Alinta to offer community grants while the proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm is still at the feasibility and engagement stage, according to Alinta Energy’s project website,” said Sandra Mitchell, a Whitsunday Wind Farm Action, who lives near the northern end of the project still being proposed.  

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“Our community should be able to assess the project on its merits and express its views without financial incentives being introduced before approval is granted.

“Alinta still needs to significantly improve its community engagement, many residents in Bowen are still unaware of the proposed project and its potential impacts.”  

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Applications for the next round of grants will open in early 2027, as part of the organisation’s continued efforts to build stronger connections with the local community.  

“While we couldn’t support every application in this round, we appreciate the time, care and local knowledge that went into each one.”

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